Local Boxing Notebook: Garcia proves he's a contender

Unbeaten featherweight contender Miguel Angel Garcia of Oxnard had all but a guaranteed world title shot waiting for him.

The only problem was former world champion Jonathan Barros was standing in his way.

While an important fight looming in the balance may distract a number of fighters, Garcia remained poised and handled business the way a worthy challenger should.

Garcia stopped Barros in the eighth round of a scheduled 10-round bout at the Wynn Resort and Casino in Las Vegas last Saturday night.

With the victory, the 2006 Pacifica High graduate can focus on a proposed world title shot against WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido.

Garcia and Salido were supposed to meet this Saturday night, but the fight was postponed after Salido suffered a fractured right index finger while closing a car door in late September.

Barros was able to get in punches on Garcia during their bout, but Garcia was able to land hooks and crosses from the outside.

In the eighth round, Garcia landed a counter left hook to the head, sending the Argentine Barros face down to the canvas. After getting up, Barros indicated to referee Robert Byrd that he did not want to continue.

Although Garcia (30-0, 26 KOs) has been known to score spectacular knockouts over his opponents throughout his six years as a professional, he did not want to put his world title opportunity in jeopardy.

"I know that he (Barros) had an aggressive style and we prepared for anything," said Garcia, who is promoted by Top Rank and managed by Cameron Dunkin. "However, I didn't want to risk getting a cut because we have the Salido fight coming up. We worked well from the outside and the knockout came naturally."

Garcia is co-trained by his father Eduardo and his older brother Robert. Barros drops to 34-4-1, with 18 KOs.

RIOS VS. PACQUIAO?

Brandon Rios' sensational seventh-round stoppage victory over Mike Alvarado is likely to be awarded fight of the year.

The unbeaten Oxnard fighter was able to withstand some vicious punches by before hurting Alvarado and prompting referee Pat Russell to stop the fight. The action and the referee stoppage sent the near-capacity crowd at the Home Depot Center in Carson into a frenzy.

Word came after the fight that Rios could face the winner of the Dec. 8 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said he is waiting until after the Pacquiao-Marquez fight to make a decision.

Should Pacquiao defeat Marquez and Rios signs on for the fight, that showdown could occur in April or May.

The 2009 Oxnard High graduate is coming off a one-sided, six-round unanimous decision over Justin Williams on Oct. 6 in Sacramento. His fight against Conyers is likely scheduled for eight rounds.

Centeno Jr., 21, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

"Hugo has a lot of talent, but it's going to take him a while to develop that talent to the next level," said Joel De La Hoya, brother of Oscar De La Hoya and Centeno's manager. "We want him to be a more aggressive and want to make a good statement on Dec. 15."

Conyers (12-7, 9 KOs) hails from the Bronx, N.Y., and has lost five of his last six fights. The Centeno-Conyers fight could be televised live on Showtime Extreme and will take place prior to the main event between Amir Khan and Carlos Molina.

MARQUEZ FIGHT

Hernan Marquez, who has been training at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard, will fight Brian Viloria (31-3, 18 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round unification bout on Saturday night at the Sports Arena.

Marquez's WBA flyweight title and Viloria's WBO flyweight title will be on the line.

Marquez (34-2, 25 KOs) has been training the last two months in Oxnard with Robert Garcia. He could be in line for a possible showdown with unbeaten world champion Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua should beat Viloria.

Also on the card will be 19-year-old Andy Ruiz (3-0, 2 KOs) of Oxnard. He will face Rufino Flores (2-4, 2 KOs) in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.